Due to bad addresses, nearly 49,000 Californians didn't receive their state income tax refund last year.

That money – more than $15 million – sits at the Franchise Tax Board's Sacramento office, awaiting delivery to its rightful owners.

According to the FTB, the refunds range from $1 to $218,000. Most were returned to the board because the taxpayer changed residences after filing a tax return.

Taxpayers who have moved should update their address by using “Access Your Account” on the FTB's Web site at ftb.ca.gov, the FTB said. The board reissues refund checks automatically once a new address is received.

The FTB suggests taxpayers use direct deposit when filing tax returns, so checks aren't caught up in mailing snafus. Direct deposited refunds arrive in days, rather than weeks.

This year, more than 4.6 million Californians received $4 billion in tax refunds via direct deposit. As of mid-December, the FTB issued 9.4 million refunds worth more than $9 billion total, with an average refund of $967.

Those expecting a refund, or those unsure if they received their refund, can check on the FTB Web site under the “Check Your Refund Status” tab.

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.